Common Sense Media Review
Outstanding anime is more violent than you'd expect.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 108 kid reviews
Kids say this show appears cute and magical but quickly reveals its darker themes, making it unsuitable for younger children. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of maturity in viewers, as it contains violence, complex emotional themes like despair and sacrifice, and some swearing, ultimately recommending it for teens and up while praising its animation and powerful storytelling.
- cute appearance
- dark themes
- violence and swearing
- suitable for teens
- complex emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, fourteen-year-old Madoka Kaname (voiced by Christine Marie Cabanos) is approached by a strange creature called Kyubey. He tells her that if she makes a contract with him, he will grant her a wish and give her magical powers. But in exchange for her powers, she must fight monsters known as Witches. As Madoka struggles to decide what to wish for, she discovers that the life of a Magical Girl is a tragic one, full of suffering and despair. Is anything she could wish for worth sacrificing her life?
Is It Any Good?
This truly special anime defies genre and takes a common idea for girls' anime -- giving teenage girls magical powers to save the world -- but gives it a darker twist. The result is a story more intent on making its audience think than simply providing entertainment.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica's animation style is full of fluid motion and attention to detail that makes it a uniquely pleasurable experience to watch. Every one of the main characters is well developed and its hard not to get attached to them as the story progresses. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing and the overall messages -- including the idea that a normal life might be preferable to a supernatural one -- are powerful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the tone of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. How do the creators establish a mood or tone for the series? What would make it a different kind of series? How would you change the series, if you could?
Talk about how the violence is presented. Does it improve the story? How would the story be different if it was less violent?
Talk about symbols in the series. Who do the witches represent? Are there other symbols you recognize?
How do the characters in Puella Magi Madoka Magica demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 14, 2012
- Cast : Christine Marie Cabanos , Cristina Vee , Sarah Williams
- Network : New Video
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate